Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Cynthia J. Kurpely

Rochester

Summary

Accomplished Director of Quality at The Hillman Group, skilled in ISO 9001 implementation and process improvement. Proven track record in enhancing product reliability and customer satisfaction through effective communication and cross-functional collaboration. Expert in quality metrics development, driving initiatives that significantly reduced product defects and improved operational efficiency.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Quality - Industrial Solutions

The Hillman Group
01.2022 - Current
  • Directed quality and engineering functions for five fastener facilities maintaining ISO 9001, Miami-Dade County, and Florida Building Code certifications as applicable.
  • Drove product and process improvement.
  • Assist customers with fastener application questions.
  • Analyzed quality control test results and provided feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
  • Supervised and guided inspectors, technicians, and other staff.
  • Troubleshot product issues and fixed problems.
  • Established product specifications and quality assurance practices.
  • Led quality assurance initiatives across multiple product lines for consumer goods.
  • Developed and implemented quality control procedures to enhance product reliability.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address quality-related challenges effectively.
  • Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Trained staff on best practices for quality management and safety protocols.
  • Analyzed data trends to identify areas for process improvements in production workflows.
  • Managed supplier relationships to maintain high-quality materials and components.
  • Established metrics to monitor and evaluate quality assurance initiatives across departments.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to design corrective action plans based on audit results.
  • Utilized statistical process control methods such as Six Sigma tools and root cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Maintained accurate records of all activities related to the development, testing, evaluation, approval, launch, and maintenance of products and services.
  • Assessed current practices against industry benchmarks and best practices for continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Provided guidance to team members on how to implement changes in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Developed strategies for improving overall customer satisfaction while minimizing costs associated with product returns or replacements.
  • Conducted internal audits to identify areas for improvement in operations and customer service.
  • Reviewed product specifications prior to release into market, ensuring accuracy of information provided by vendors.
  • Audited supplier performance against predetermined criteria for quality control purposes.
  • Developed and implemented quality assurance processes, procedures, and standards to ensure product and service excellence.
  • Investigated customer inquiries concerning product defects or malfunctions, determining appropriate corrective actions.
  • Facilitated training sessions for staff members on proper techniques for maintaining high-quality products and services.

Quality Manager

Paulin Industries, a Division of the Hillman Group
01.2008 - Current
  • Authored and implemented an ISO 9001 quality system, and maintained ISO registration for fastener distribution.
  • Conducted audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and internal processes.
  • Trained staff on quality control procedures and best practices for operational efficiency.
  • Implemented corrective actions based on analysis of non-conformance reports and feedback.
  • Monitored product testing protocols to maintain high quality throughout production cycles.
  • Established quality metrics to track performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Facilitated root cause analysis sessions to prevent future occurrences of defects or errors.
  • Monitored product performance against customer specifications and standards, ensuring that all products met the required standards.
  • Identified root causes for defects by analyzing statistical data from test results, customer feedback and other sources.
  • Investigated customer complaints regarding product quality issues and developed strategies for resolution.
  • Performed internal audits of production processes to identify areas of improvement and non-conformities.
  • Maintained records related to product inspections, tests, calibrations and other quality control activities in accordance with applicable regulations.
  • Collaborated with customers to develop quality control criteria for products based on customer needs and intended product applications.
  • Ensured effective implementation of corrective actions to resolve any identified issues or discrepancies in a timely manner.
  • Trained and developed employees in effort to contribute to overall professional growth.
  • Created KPIs related to process performance metrics such as defect rate, scrap rate.
  • Prepared reports summarizing findings from inspections, tests, investigations and other QA activities for senior management review.
  • Evaluated existing processes using lean principles such as Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies.
  • Monitored execution of testing activities, directing supervisors, inspectors, and floor workers according to testing specifications to gather accurate, useful data.
  • Used skills obtained as a toolmaker to assist both customers and vendors in trouble-shooting issues and fastener selection.

Mayor

Village of Rochester
Rochester
01.2016 - 01.2024
  • Led community engagement initiatives to foster public participation in local governance.
  • Facilitated city council meetings to discuss policies and address community concerns.
  • Collaborated with committees and task forces to address unique concerns.
  • Collaborated with city council members to set goals for the municipality.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to improve infrastructure within the municipality.
  • Attended meetings with representatives of other cities to compare best practices in urban planning and development.
  • Participated in public forums to discuss current issues affecting the community.
  • Developed and implemented policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
  • Established relationships with local businesses, organizations, and other government entities.
  • Resolved disputes between residents and city officials.
  • Addressed inquiries from media outlets regarding city affairs.
  • Advocated for increased funding from state and federal sources.
  • Maintained a strong presence at community events such as parades and festivals, to foster goodwill among residents.
  • Appointed members of various boards, committees, and task forces are tasked with providing advice or assistance on matters pertaining to municipal governance.
  • Reviewed concerns of constituents to determine required governmental action.

Purchasing, Inventory, and Scheduling Manager

Dove Die & Stamping
01.2004 - 01.2008
  • Developed production schedules to meet customer demands and delivery timelines.
  • Fostered team collaboration through effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.
  • Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and address any issues or concerns.
  • Reviewed production orders, schedules, delivery dates, and inventory levels to determine product availability.
  • Managed materials to meet production goals and specific customer demands.
  • Coordinated workflow between departments to optimize efficiency and resource allocation.
  • Managed inventory levels and facilitated timely procurement of materials and supplies.
  • Worked with suppliers to maintain steady flow of materials and tools required for operation to meet established schedules.

Education

Toolmaker Apprenticeship -

Polaris Career Center
01.1997

Some College (No Degree) - Journalism

University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC

Skills

  • Extensive fastener knowledge
  • ISO 9001 system creation and implementation
  • Customer and vendor communication
  • Risk mitigation
  • Gage calibration
  • Team and culture building
  • Process Improvement
  • IMDS System
  • Training
  • Quality assurance
  • ISO standards
  • Process improvement
  • Audit compliance
  • Product testing
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Team leadership
  • Problem solving
  • Effective communication
  • Training development
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Quality risk assessment
  • Quality metrics development
  • Customer complaint resolution
  • Corrective and preventive actions
  • Supplier quality management
  • Documentation control
  • Product inspection
  • Customer focus
  • Specification review
  • Process validation
  • Specification development

Affiliations

  • President of the Board for Lorain County Rural Waste Water (LORCO)
  • President of the Rochester Historical Society
  • Secretary of the Rochester Rod & Gun Club

Accomplishments

  • Revised product lines for ST Fastening to achieve better performance and increase customer satisfaction.
  • Authored and implemented an ISO 9001 quality system for Paulin industries which has been registered since 2008. There have been no findings in any 2nd or 3rd party audits since 2015.
  • Stepped in as Interim Site Manager for the ST Fastening - McBride facility. Drove culture change, managed facility move and production start-up, improved production levels and product quality from the facility.
  • In my career I have authored and implemented 9 quality systems.
  • I had the honor of serving as Mayor of Rochester and successfully lead my community through the pandemic.

Certification

  • Certified Mechanical Inspector, 2000
  • Journeyman Tool & Die Maker, 1997

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Quality - Industrial Solutions

The Hillman Group
01.2022 - Current

Mayor

Village of Rochester
01.2016 - 01.2024

Quality Manager

Paulin Industries, a Division of the Hillman Group
01.2008 - Current

Purchasing, Inventory, and Scheduling Manager

Dove Die & Stamping
01.2004 - 01.2008

Toolmaker Apprenticeship -

Polaris Career Center

Some College (No Degree) - Journalism

University of South Carolina

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